Not Ready to Retire? Don’t!

Eight Tips for Living Well from a Busy Baby Boomer!

If you’re a recently semi-retired Baby Boomer as I am, you’re in good company. Every day, an average of 10,000 Americans will reach retirement age. That daily number will grow over the next several years as Baby Boomers stop working.

Tip #1. Retirement Can Happen When You Least Expect It

Mergers and downsizing in business today have led to unexpected early layoffs for large numbers of workers at some of America’s largest employers. That was my experience in 2020 with the beginning of the pandemic. At age 68, I found myself released from my job without any warning.

Tip #2. Retirement Plans are Important, Continuing to Work is More Rewarding

As someone working in the insurance industry, planning for retirement was a given. Even though I was financially prepared, I wasn’t ready to stop actively working. I had friends in the industry and enjoyed the challenges of taking on projects and attending educational seminars.

Tip #3. Listen to Your Friends and Colleagues

After listening to friends and several great colleagues, I decided to continue doing what I love by starting my own consulting business. Less than a year later, I now have two clients and have discovered even more opportunities through networking, traveling, and speaking at industry association meetings.

Tip #4. No Matter What Your Age, Work with a Financial Advisor

If you’re close to retiring, make sure you continue working with a good financial advisor. Life changes. And the unexpected is nearly guaranteed to happen. Someone with knowledge of insurance, retirement, Medicare, and Social Security is invaluable.

Tip #5. Instead of Retirement, Harness the Passions You Care About

As I said at the beginning, if you’re not ready to retire, DON’T! Look at the things that can still generate excitement for you and pursue them vigorously!

Tip #6. Surround Yourself with People You Trust

Use your well-earned network of colleagues, friends, and family to solicit advice and support. Think of them as confidants and as your informal board of directors. They’ll help you make better, informed decisions. And in turn, you can support them too.

Tip #7. Make Time for the Important Things

Millions of today’s Baby Boomers find themselves with aging parents with unexpected health and financial challenges. In my own family, we are learning how to navigate the costs and complex healthcare systems that are needed for our 95-year-old mother. A mild heart attack led to more setbacks but with great rehab care and determination, she is doing well.

Tip #8. Always, Always, Always, Take Time for Fun!

I’m someone who loves music and one of my favorite musical lines is this one by Lee Ann Womak: “And When You Get a Chance to Sit it Out or Dance….I Hope You Dance”. It’s great to continue doing work you enjoy, but don’t work too much. For me, I treasure time with my two beautiful grandchildren. And since leaving the full-time business world, I’ve discovered the joy of watercolor painting. It’s a way of seeing the world in fresh ways and appreciating the beauty of so much around us.

About Christi Doe

Christi Doe has written 4 posts in this blog.

Christi has her own small company called Conversations with Christi and brings more than 35 years of experience in the disability management and employee absenteeism space. She also works as a consultant for several nonprofit organizations in the disability industry. Personally, Christi is an artist who dabbles in watercolor and other mediums. She loves her family, including her two adorable grandchildren.